Oscar, With Love: Celebrating Canada’s Jazz Legend

Oscar Peterson

When a technician inspecting Oscar Peterson’s cherished Bösendorfer Imperial piano told his widow Kelly “the piano needs to be played,” she knew it was time. Barely touched since the jazz legend’s death in 2007, it became the focus of a labour of love as Kelly gathered some of the world’s best jazz pianists to record a tribute to this iconic instrument. The resulting record, Oscar, With Love, is a rare chance to hear Oscar’s original compositions interpreted by his closest musical friends, performed on his beloved piano.

Céline Peterson hosts an intimate evening of music and memories, featuring seven of those renowned pianists playing Oscar Peterson’s personal Bösendorfer Imperial. Canadians Robi Botos, Oliver Jones, and Jon Kimura Parker appear with Bill Charlap, Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, and Justin Kauflin to perform selections by and for Oscar. Canadian bassist Dave Young, Oscar’s long-time associate, appears alongside in this unforgettable evening that brings a legend’s treasured piano to life.